DRONE / UAS

The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), or Drone, has quickly become an essential filmmaking tool.

Size and manoeuvrability of these remote controlled multi-rotors, coupled with innovative lightweight camera technology and our expert crews, allow you to shoot movement and action sequences or VFX element plates, in inaccessible locations, or where a traditional helicopter unit would not be appropriate, to incredible effect. Our wide large fleet of Drones cover the small - Inspire, through to the large - Aerigon and super-heavy lift Gryphon and Shotover U1 cabable of flying the ARRI Alexa65 and Alexa ALF.

Our latest innovation is flying an aerial LiDar system for VFX which integrates with ground based data acquisition LiDar systems

Safety is paramount and our HFS UAS crews observe strict health & safety guidelines set out by the CAA, EASA and FAA.

Our drone operation is fully approved by the CAA. Crews are BNUC certified

Experience & Safety is Critical

Unlike many UAS (Drone) operators, we bring more than 20 years of expertise in aerial filming and aviation to our drone low level aerial filming business, ensuring you get the best shots. HFS are now widely recognised as one of the world's premier operators of UAS for filming

You get absolute peace of mind that we apply the same rigorous safety procedures to our drones as we do our full-size helicopters.

What's more, they're great for creating amazing chase scenes through confined environments like tunnels and buildings.

Our heavy-lift Cinema remote controlled UAS (drones) from Intuitive Aerial and Shotover can even film in confined spaces such as warehouses and studio environments. Our UAS are the most advanced in the industry, capable of lifting the heaviest camera payloads allowed with a diverse range of lenses, including zooms.

For maximum manoeuvrability without compromising on quality, we primarily use the ARRI Alexa Mini or RED Weapon with an Angenieux Optimo 16-40mm zoom lens, and 3-axis lens control.

HFS is unique in having flown a full ARRI 35mm Film package with Panavision Primo lens.

HFS crew are experts at using drones for filming and are highly experienced in a variety of environments and locations. Recent work includes action sequences and visual effects plates, with emphasis on stability, for the latest Marvel features: Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War along with Assassin's Creed, Wonder Woman,Now You See Me 2, Bridget Jones' Baby, and sequences in 007's latest outing in Spectre.

From a production Health and Safety perspective, we treat drones as we would helicopters and adhere to a strict protocol drawn from our years in aviation. HFS are CAA licensed and Approved Tier 1 Congested Area Operators of UAS for Commercial purposes and have obtained authorisations and Exemptions from UK Metroplolitan Police, Diplomatic Protection Group, City of Westminster, Port of London Authority, Bundesaufsichtsamt für Flugsicherung (for operating in the Berlin restricted Security Area) Transport Malta, AESA (Spain), Macau and Hong Kong.

Want to use a Drone to get the best aerial shot, safely on your next Shoot ?

Clients

About HFS Group

The HFS Group are specialist in Aerial Filming & Aviation Services.

Founded in 1993, Helicopter Film services has grown to include Helicopter, Jets, Drones and specialist high-speed camera tracking vehicles for work in Feature Film, Broadcast TV, Commercials and Branded Content production.

HFS Aviation, the latest addition to the group, offers Aviation Management, Helicopter Charter and Leasing Services to the private and public sector.